Removal-Based Valorization of the Invasive Pearl Oyster Pinctada radiata (Leach, 1814): Economic Feasibility of Value-Added Seafood Processing in Greece

Invasive non-indigenous species (NIS) are impacting Mediterranean coastal ecosystems, presenting ecological and economic management challenges. This study evaluates the economic viability of processing biomass from wild removals of the NIS pearl oyster, Pinctada radiata (Leach, 1814), into value-added seafood products in Greece. The study explored four product formats under two funding scenarios (Scenario A, full private financing; and Scenario B, 60% public co-financing): frozen, vacuum-packed raw oyster meat; frozen, vacuum-packed, breaded raw oyster meat; steamed, brine-smoked, vacuum-packed oyster meat; and steamed oyster meat preserved in olive oil and Mediterranean herbs. In Scenario A, with full private financing, the cumulative net cash flow (NCF) over five years was €165,402.78, with a profitability index (PI) of 2.93 and a payback period (PP) of 1.71 years. In Scenario B, with 60% public co-financing, the owner’s contribution reduced to €34,320.00. At the same time, the annual after-tax cash flow reached €50,240.56, resulting in a five-year cumulative NCF of €216,882.78, a PI of 7.32, and a PP of 0.68 years. These findings indicate that utilizing biomass from wild removals can be a financially viable strategy for managing NIS. This approach focuses on removal rather than aquaculture or translocation of P. radiata and emphasizes the need for adaptive governance and biodiversity protection to ensure effective population control. The study proposes a replicable bioeconomic model for integrating invasive biomass removal with value-added seafood processing in Mediterranean coastal regions.